Telephone: [phone]

Student/Parent Handbook

600 Miller Street

Carthage, IL 62321

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

August 2013

Dear Students and Parents:

Welcome to Illini West High School for the 2013-2014 school year. We are excited about the school year and are looking forward to working with you as we continue a tradition of excellence. We hope you will take PRIDE in your school and will make a commitment to make it the best it can be. It takes the best efforts of everyone (students, staff, administration, parents, and community members) working together to make a school the best possible place it can be.

The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint you with the policies and procedures that will be used during the current school year. It is important that everyone look through this handbook carefully as there have been changes in the way that your high school functions. Many of the events and situations that will arise during the school year are covered in this handbook. Everyone should be aware, however, that the handbook is not all-inclusive. Some situations will arise that may require special interpretations or the implementation of common sense rules to deal with a situation. This handbook is, however, designed to serve as a guide for both student behavior and administrative decisions. It is hoped that this handbook will keep confusion and misinterpretation of school policies to a minimum.

It is our belief that the vast majority of our students make good choices concerning their behavior when given the school’s expectations. This handbook provides students and parents with the information necessary to make good choices concerning behavior. Students are expected to follow the guidelines outlined for student behavior. For those students who choose not to follow these guidelines, the consequences outlined in this handbook will be followed. Our hope is that all students will choose to demonstrate appropriate behavior so that everyone can experience a positive and productive school year. To that end, we will seek to provide appropriate rewards and recognition for all students achieving success.

Students at Illini West High School are expected to live up to high expectations for academic performance and behavior. It is our hope that these expectations will be met and surpassed for the coming school year. We hope that each of you has a pleasant and successful year. The faculty and staff of IWHS pledge to help you have a positive and rewarding year in every way possible. Your experience at Illini West High School will be whatever you make it. We hope that you do the things that will make it outstanding.

On behalf of the faculty, staff, and administration of Illini West High School, we welcome you and wish you every success in this year.

Brad Gooding, Principal

Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive systems approach to establishing the behavioral supports and overall social culture needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional, and academic success.

The Illini West Charger Code has been established focusing on

Being Responsible

Being Respectful

Being Positive

At Illini West all students will receive instruction in developing and strengthening behavioral and social skills. Using a proactive framework, goals include the reduction of disciplinary measures such as

detentions and suspensions. Through PBIS, Illini West High School strives to create and maintain a safe and effective learning environment for all students to ensure academic success.

These expected behaviors will be acknowledged with a structured system of reinforcements and rewards. A PBIS team consisting of faculty and administration will regularly review data and identify areas in need of further attention.

Response to Intervention (RtI) - Changes in federal and state laws have directed schools to focus on helping all children learn by addressing problems earlier within the general education setting.

These new laws emphasize the importance of providing high quality, scientifically-based instruction and interventions, and hold schools accountable for the adequate yearly progress of all students. This new process of providing interventions to students who are at risk for academic and/or behavior problems is called RtI (Response to Intervention).

RtI is a process designed to help schools focus on high quality interventions that are matched to students needs and monitored on a frequent basis. The information gained from an RtI process is used by school personnel and parents to adapt instruction and to make decisions regarding the student’s educational program.

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) - PBIS is a proactive systems approach to establishing the behavioral supports and overall school culture needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional, and academic success. PBIS works in conjunction with RtI - PBIS focuses on student behavior and RtI focuses on student academics, and they both use the same three-tier intervention model as illustrated below:

Tier 1: -Core Curriculum - 80-90%

-Whole Group/Core Instruction

-For ALL Students in the Class

Tier 2: -Small Group Interventions - 5-10%

-For Some Students

-Done in Addition to Tier 1

Tier 3: -Intense Interventions – 1-5%

-Customized Interventions

-For a very Small # of Students

-Done in Addition to Tier 1 and Tier 2

All teachers are involved in both the RtI and PBIS process. Teachers meet in teams on a regular basis to look at data to determine what students need additional assistance due to behavior, academics, health or attendance. Data is used to determine who qualifies for assistance; however, a referral may be made by a parent, teacher, or the student themselves. After a student is identified, a plan of action is developed to assist the student in resolving the identified problem(s). The student is monitored and data is collected in order to make further decisions. Most times the action plan is completed within the school system while at other times it may be necessary to get assistance from community resources. Parents will be involved at all levels and updated of their student’s progress. The overall goal of RtI and PBIS is to help students be successful in school, at home, and in the work place.

Illini West High School Philosophy

In an active partnership with parents and community,
Illini West High School District will promote
excellence in a caring environment
in which all students learn and grow.
This partnership shall empower all students to:
develop a strong self-esteem and
become responsible learners and decision-makers.
Illini West High School is committed to developing and using:
a visionary and innovative curriculum,
a knowledgeable and dedicated staff, and
sound fiscal and management practices.
UNITY THROUGH OPPORTUNITY!

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE HANDBOOK

The goal of this handbook is to assist students, parents, and teachers in understanding expectations at Illini West High School. A committee of students, parents, teachers, and administrators has reviewed all policies and rules. They have been approved by the Board of Education but may be amended during the year without notice. This handbook does not contain all of the facts, rules, and policies necessary for the operation of Illini West High School, but rather those items most crucial for a student’s daily routine. A complete listing of School Board Policy is available at the District Office, the High School Office and the District Web Site.

This handbook reflects the philosophy of Illini West School District concerning the student’s responsibility to the school, fellow students, and the community. A major responsibility is to attend school every day. By doing this, the student’s educational goals can be attained more readily. Truancy, tardiness and other disturbances disrupt the educational process. It is important that the school prepare students to interact in society by establishing rules and procedures which also help meet educational objectives.

You are welcome to express your opinions and ideas to the building principal regarding possible changes and additions to this handbook.

WHO TO CONTACT

From time to time a student or parent may wish to contact a member of our school personnel. The following information is presented to assist you with that process:

District Office 641 Buchanan Street 217-357-9607 (Phone)

(Office Hours: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM) 217-357-9609 (Fax)

Superintendent Kim Schilson

District Accountant Laura Hughs

Administrative Assistant Cynthia Smith

High School 600 Miller Street 217-357-2136 (Phone)

(Office Hours: 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM) 217-357-3569 (Fax)

Principal Brad Gooding (Ext. 1401)

Assistant Principal/Transportation Director/Athletic Director Joey Dion (Ext. 1406)

Counselor Ryan Bliss (Ext. 1404)

School Psychologist Melissa Mathes (Ext. 1409)

Social Worker Tammey Gilbert (Ext. 1409)

Principal’s Secretary Dawn Hellyer (Ext. 1402)

Attendance Secretary Deb Wilson (Ext. 1400)

E-Mail Addresses Use the staff person’s last name, a “dot”

and his/her first name at illiniwest.org

(i.e. [e-mail])

District Web Site www.illiniwest.org

The district web site shown above contains general information such as daily announcements, menus, homework assignments and a calendar of events.

To communicate a concern regarding a school situation:

→ First contact the staff person directly involved in the concern in an attempt to resolve the situation.

→ If issues remain unresolved, contact the Building Principal.

→ If a concern continues to exist, contact the District Superintendent.

→ A concern that remains unresolved can be brought to the attention of the School Board by submitting a written request to the Superintendent at least one week in advance of the next board meeting. She will then send each board member a copy of your request and place you on the board agenda.

Illini West High School Faculty

Vicki Black (Ext. 1514)

Carol Brooks (Ext. 1410)

Kristen Cook (Ext. 1505)

Dennis DeBourbon (Ext. 1560)

Sam DeCounter (Ext. 1513)

Elaine Dion (Ext. 1524)

Connie Flesner (Ext. 1506)

Linda Hartweg (Ext. 1531)

Greg Hoener (Ext. 1517)

Suzy Holtsclaw (Ext. 1534)

John Hughs (Ext. 1564)

Zak Huston (Ext. 1525)

Karen Jacquot (Ext. 1533)

Kim Johnson (Ext. 1521)

Tim Lafferty (Ext. 1546)

Peggy Latherow (Ext. 1501)

Samantha McGaughey (Ext. 1528)

Adrian McKay (Ext. 1503)

Brent McKinney (Ext. 1545)

Robert McVeigh (Ext. 1411)

Sandra Morrison (Ext. 1527)

Deb Murphy (Ext. 1523)

Harold Northup (Ext. 1512)

M. J. Palmer (Ext. 1507)

Kevin Peel (Ext. 1543)

Patrick Raftis (Ext. 1519)

Amy Shirey (Ext. 1515)

Shari Shupe (Ext. 1544)

Narrezia Smalley (Ext. 1520)

Judy Stevenson (Ext. 1510)

Melissa Sturlic (Ext. 1542)

Carol Walker (Ext. 1411)

Debra Wilson (Ext. 1400)

Steve Wood (Ext. 1412)

To contact a teacher by phone, call 217-357-2136. The number shown in parenthesis by each name is that teacher’s voice mail (extension) number. Please feel free to call and leave a message expressing a concern or question. The teacher will return the call at his/her earliest convenience.

Board of Education

Tracey Anders, President

Tom Holtsclaw, Vice President
Janet Vass, Secretary
John Huston
Beth Pence
Shannon Pence
Jamie Whitaker


ILLINI WEST 2013-2014 SCHOOL CALENDAR

August 16 No School -Teacher Institute

August 19 No School -Teacher Institute

August 20 1st day for students – no early dismissal

September 2 No School – Labor Day

September 27 Homecoming

September 27 No School – School Improvement Day

October 11 No School – School Improvement Day

October 11 End of 1^st Quarter

October 14 No School – Columbus Day

October 25 No School- Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 11 No School – Veterans Day

November 27, 28 & 29 No School – Thanksgiving Vacation

December 20 End of 2nd Quarter

Dec 23 –January 3 No School – Christmas Vacation

January 6 No School – Teachers Institute

January 20 No School – M. L. King Birthday

February 14 No School – School Improvement Day

February 17 No School – Presidents Day

March 7 End of 3rd Quarter

March 21 No School- Parent/Teacher Conferences

April 17 No School – School Improvement Day

April 18, 21 No School – Spring Vacation

May 21 *Last Day of Student Attendance

May 21 End of 4^th Quarter

May 22 No School – Teachers Institute

*Subject to change if snow days/emergency days are used

Class Schedule

Period	Time	Minutes
Teacher Prep	8:00-8:20	20
Bell for 1^st Period	8:15
1^st Period	8:20-9:40	80
2^nd Period	9:45-11:05	80
Student Lunch	11:10-11:50	40
Teacher Lunch	11:10-11:40	30
Teacher Prep	11:40-11:50	10
3^rd Period	11:55-1:15	80
4^th Period	1:20-2:40	80
Student Departure	2:40
Teacher Prep	2:40-3:30	50

The statements listed below are Standards of Conduct and Standards for Achievement. Using these standards, we can build a program that meets the needs of all students while maximizing the satisfaction of the staff.

A Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
for Learning

The traditional mission of our public schools has been to prepare our nation’s young people for equal and responsible citizenship and productive adulthood. We affirm that mission by remembering that democratic citizenship and productive adulthood begins with standards of conduct and standards for achievement in our schools. Other educational reforms may work; high standards of conduct and achievement

do work-and nothing else can work without them.

Recognizing that rights carry responsibilities, we declare that:

1. All students and school staff have a right to schools that are safe, orderly, and drug free.

2. All students and school staff have a right to learn and work in school districts and schools that have clear discipline codes with fair and consistently enforced consequences for misbehavior.

3. All students and school staff have a right to learn and work in school districts that have alternative education placements for violent or chronically disruptive students.

4. All students and school staff have a right to be treated with courtesy and respect.

5. All students and school staff have a right to learn and work in school districts, schools and classrooms that have clearly stated and rigorous academic standards.

6. All students and school staff have a right to learn and work in well-equipped schools that have the instructional materials needed to carry out a rigorous academic program.

7. All students and school staff have a right to learn and work in schools where teachers know their subject matter and know how to teach it.

8. All students and school staff have a right to learn and work in school districts, schools, and classrooms where high grades stand for high achievement and promotion is earned.

9. All students and school staff members have a right to learn and work in school districts and schools where getting a high school diploma means having the knowledge and skills essential for college or a good job.

10. All students and school staff have a right to be supported by parents, the community, public officials, and businesses in their efforts to uphold high standards of conduct and achievement.

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

Regular attendance is one of the most important factors determining success or failure in school and is the responsibility of the individual student and his/her parent or guardian. Poor attendance results in lower grades, disinterest in school and ultimately in dropping out of school or failure. Teachers are willing to assist students who must miss school for a legitimate reason; however, teachers are not expected to devote extra time and effort to assist students who have missed school for some unnecessary reason.

Illinois Attendance Law

1. That whoever has custody or control of any child between the ages of 7 and 16 years of age shall cause such child to attend some public school in the district wherein the child resides the entire time it is in session during the regular school term.

2. Pupils below 7 years or over 16 years who are enrolled in any grades 1-12 in the public school shall attend the public school when it is in session during the regular school term.

3. The Secretary of the Board of Education shall furnish quarterly to the Regional Superintendent a list of pupils, excluding transfers, who have been expelled, withdrawn, or left school. The Regional Superintendent shall inform the county truant officer who shall investigate to see that such pupils are in compliance with state law.

4. Definitions regarding truancy:

a. Truant – a student subject to compulsory school attendance who is absent without valid cause.

b. Valid Cause for Absence – Illness, observance of a religious holiday, death of an immediate family member, family emergency and other such situations beyond the control of the student or family as determined by the Board of Education or such other circumstances related to the safety or health of the student.

c. Chronic or Habitual Truant – A student subject to compulsory school attendance who is absent without valid cause from such attendance for 5% or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days.

Notification of Absences

On the day of a student’s absence, the parent or guardian is requested to call the school informing the school of the absence. If the parent or guardian does not call the school, the school will contact the parent or guardian by use of the School Reach telephone system by 10:00 AM to notify the parent of the reported absence.

Homework Assignments

If a student wants homework assignments when absent, this should be requested when the school is called with notification of the absence. Students are responsible to arrange to have assignments picked up in the office and books, etc. retrieved from their lockers. Parents and students are encouraged to check the school website for homework assignments. All teachers post their homework assignments on the school web site. (www.illiniwest.org)

Absences

Absence Incentive:

Student attendance will be monitored and acknowledged as part of the PBIS program. For every calendar week of perfect attendance (NO tardies or absences during any period – excused, exempt or unexcused – except for school related activities), the student will earn one percentage point toward his/her quarter grade in a class or classes of his/her choice. Only a maximum of 3 points may be added to one class. No points shall be added to a class in which a student is failing. Points are not cumulative from one quarter to another.

Excused Absences:

Listed below are excused absences which do not count toward absence consequences so long as the prescribed procedure is followed for each absence.

Excused Absences: Students will receive an excused absence when gone from school for the following reasons. (These absences will show in Power School as E or a special code related to each reason.) If the requirements are not met for an absence to be excused, the absence will be deemed an unexcused absence.

1. Medical/dental related appointments (when notification of reason for absence is made by parent AND verified with written confirmation from the doctor/hospital/dentist). Confirmation must be received by the office within 5 days of the appointment. If confirmation is not received this absence will be marked as a personal illness day.

2. Personal illness. Students are allowed 3 days/occurrences of personal illness days per semester. After the 3rd called in personal illness a doctors’ note will be needed to make the absence an excused absence. This will show in Power School as “P”.

3. Court appearance (when verified by note from court official). Verification must be received by the office within 5 days of the court appearance. If confirmation is not received this absence will be marked as unexcused.

4. Funeral or Visitation of immediate family member (up to three days) when verified by a note/phone call from a parent. Immediate family members are: mother, father, brother, sister, grandparent, uncle or aunt.

5. Quarantine.

6. Religious holiday.

7. Family Vacation/Trip. Students must complete the Pre-Arranged Absence form and turn it into the office 2 days (48 hours) before the day(s) of absence. Students are limited to 2 excused family vacations/trips per school year. This will show in Power School as “V”.

8. Hunting. Students are allowed one day of hunting. The student must provide the office a copy of their tags and complete the pre-arranged absence form 2 days (48 hours) prior to the day being gone. This will show in Power School as “H”.

9. College visits. One day will be allowed during a student’s junior year and two days will be allowed during a student’s senior year. These days must be approved in advance by the guidance counselor.

10. The Administration has the authority to approve absences that he/she deems appropriate.